Veterans to Success

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Thomas Burgess, a former RAF Regiment corporal, as he shares his journey from a troubled childhood in London to his military service and transition to civilian life. Thomas candidly discusses his struggles with alcohol, mental health, and thoughts of suicide during his time in the military. He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and make significant changes in his life.  Through his experiences, Thomas highlights the resilience and growth that can come from facing challenges and seeking help when needed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Extraordinary Life Journey: Thomas Burgess shares his extraordinary life journey, from a troubled childhood to a successful military career and transition to civilian life.

• Overcoming Adversity: Despite facing challenges like bullying, dysfunctional family dynamics, and combat experiences, Thomas demonstrates resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.

• Importance of Seeking Help: Thomas emphasises the importance of seeking help and opening up about mental health struggles, highlighting the significance of reaching out for support.

• Continuous Learning and Growth: Thomas's commitment to continuous learning, obtaining qualifications in project management, mental health, and coaching, showcases his dedication to personal and professional growth.

• Value of Coaching and Mentorship: Thomas recognises the value of coaching and mentorship, highlighting the importance of seeking guidance from experienced individuals in various aspects of life and business.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was questioning me as a human. Is this what my life has amounted to? I've gone and thrown things down the pan." 

"I'm always happy to have a chat with anyone. I do regularly with some mates I serve with." 

"You haven't failed until you give up. Failure is okay because it's just feedback and it's the feedback from champions."

"You have to have coaching, you know. Cavemen, boys, before they had the cut and went out into the wilderness, they looked up to the elders of the village. That's coaching."

"Yeah, well, I think you've ticked the box off where I talk about how important is a good coaching mentor. And it's invaluable, isn't it?"

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Joe explores the seven crucial stages to achieving independence, whether it be financial, personal, or professional. Joe shares personal anecdotes and experiences, emphasising the importance of setting clear goals, developing self-reliance and confidence, building a strong support network, and continuous professional development. The episode also highlights the significance of effective communication, reflecting on successes and failures, and ultimately, being true to oneself. The host introduces the Pathfinder Ultimate Success System and JoeTeams.com as resources to help listeners on their journey to success and independence. Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, the episode aims to inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Independence Day Tradition: Joe discusses the interesting tradition of Americans on Independence Day, focusing on gaining independence in various aspects of life.

• Seven Steps to Independence: Joe outlines seven important stages to achieving independence, including setting clear goals, developing self-reliance, building a support network, and continuous professional development.

• Attitude Matters: Joe talks about the significance of attitude in determining success in personal and business endeavors, highlighting the importance of a positive and determined mindset.

• Reflect on Success and Failures: Reflecting on successes and failures allows you to learn valuable lessons and improve personal and professional growth.

• Be Yourself: Joe advocates for authenticity and being true to oneself, as everyone else is already taken, promoting self-confidence and genuine interactions.

BEST MOMENTS

"Lessons haven't been learned. We just keep doing the same stuff different day."

"I've been a professional financial advisor for the last 36 years, or in fact more than that, actually all that time after leaving the military."

"Together Everyone Achieves More. But I take a different stance on this, because Together Everyone's Attitude Matters."

"Did you do your best? Did you give it your best shot? Everything that you had on that day?"

"My mission is to help one million veterans and business owner entrepreneurs collaborate so they can achieve the goals, dreams, and aspirations they deserve."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

This episode features an engaging conversation between Joe, and Otis McGregor, a former military officer turned leadership coach. Otis shares his journey from being a Boy Scout and playing sports to serving in the military, including his experiences as a tank driver, long-range reconnaissance scout, and Green Beret. Otis also talks about his current mission of creating a legacy of leaders through his leadership development services. The episode provides valuable insights on leadership, teamwork, and the transferability of military skills to civilian life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Importance of Mentors and Coaches: Joe and Otis emphasise the critical role of mentors and coaches in personal and professional development, highlighting the value of seeking guidance and support from experienced individuals.

• Networking for Success: Networking is a crucial element for success, building relationships, seeking help, and being part of a supportive network are essential to achieving goals.

• Purpose and Contribution: Otis underscores the importance of finding purpose and contributing to a greater cause, emphasising the fulfilment that comes from helping others succeed and making a positive impact.

• Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life: Otis shares insights on the challenges faced during the transition from military to civilian life, highlighting the need to find purpose and seek help during this period of change.

• Leadership Development and Business Growth: Otis' mission of creating a legacy of leaders is reflected in the leadership development services offered, focusing on empowering individuals to become effective leaders and driving business growth through strategic guidance and support.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think the biggest challenge I faced was how to accomplish the mission with people that don't report to me." 

"Don't be afraid to ask for help. It really is. Whether it's calling up somebody who's in your tribe that's been there, done that before, has experience, or hiring a coach, a consultant, somebody to help guide you." 

"I always joke about this when I'm talking with other special operators. It's like when we were on the teams, We always ask for help." 

"Yeah, it's interesting because before we logged on, I was chatting to someone and I always like to get feedback because feedback's the food of champions, right?" 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Joe talks to George Gregg, a former military veteran with a wealth of experience. George shares his journey from a child with a council house background to joining the military at 16 and rising through the ranks to become a W01. He discusses his transition to civilian life, including his experiences in various leadership roles in the corporate world. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Embrace Failure: Recognise that failure is inevitable and learn from it. It's important to understand that everyone will experience failure at some point.

• Honesty and Empathy: The importance of being honest and empathetic in leadership roles cannot be overstated. Building trust with your team through honesty and empathy can lead to better results.

• Utilise Experts: Recognise and utilise the expertise of individuals within your team. Don't try to bluff your way through situations where someone else has more knowledge.

• Focus on Team Success: Prioritise the success of the team over personal achievements. Creating a supportive and collaborative environment can lead to overall success.

• Continuous Learning: Always strive to learn and improve, both personally and professionally. Embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think in short, mate, I was relatively intelligent past 11 plus and all that kind of thing, but it was a complete waster." 

"It's about being the best you can be and also recognising that when you're in a peer group of equally talented people, you've got to be realistic." 

"If the best you can be is not very good, that's fine. And people need to recognise that." 

"If you're the smartest person in the room, change rooms." 

"I pride myself on telling the truth. So if there were things going to happen that might threaten jobs, I would tell them." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

This episode features an interview with Ben, a former military commando, who shares his journey from a young boy with a love for the outdoors to becoming a seasoned commando. Ben discusses his challenging transition from military life to civilian life, highlighting the impact of becoming a father and the struggles he faced after leaving the military. The episode delves into Ben's experiences in Afghanistan, his decision to leave the military to prioritize his role as a father, and the difficulties he encountered in adjusting to civilian life. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ben had a successful military career, excelling in various training courses and deployments.

• Becoming a father at a young age significantly impacted his decision-making and priorities.

• The transition from military life to civilian life was challenging, leading to feelings of being lost and out of place.

• Ben struggled to adapt to civilian life and found it difficult to understand the mindset of civilians.

• The decision to leave the military prematurely was later regretted, as Ben felt unprepared for civilian life and faced difficulties in adjusting.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I thought I've got to leave, basically, is what went on, and I thought I've got to be there I thought, I can't keep deploying away. When I came back, yeah, and I saw my son, I remember it very vividly. I walked up the stairs and he was in the bath. He looked at me and burst out crying. And he just cried. He didn't know I was, and it broke my heart."

 "I think when I got to Civvy Street, I found it really hard to understand how people, really, like this is the first time I'd experienced real civvies, if you like, and I thought it was funny. like they think differently than they like their mind and like so I was used to people being like me."

"I was like, what are you on about? I'm fine. And everyone was like, you're not. But you don't know that. You only behave how you behave."

"It's about the transition as well. And I know guys do it really well. Guys do it not so well. And there's never a straight line, is there?"

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Join Joe in this episode as he commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day, highlighting the bravery and heroism displayed by the Allied forces during the historic invasion. Joe shares the historical context of Winston Churchill's speeches leading up to D-Day and recounts significant events of the invasion, such as the airborne assault on Pegasus Bridge. The episode also provides insights into lesser-known facts about D-Day and transitions into offering practical tips for personal success inspired by the strategies of deception and misinformation used during the invasion. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The 6th of June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a significant event in World War II that showcased tremendous bravery and heroism from the Allied forces.

• Winston Churchill's famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech, delivered on 4th June 1940, was part of a series of speeches aimed at preparing and motivating the British public and military for the challenges ahead, including D-Day.

• D-Day involved extensive planning and deception tactics, such as the use of inflatable tanks and dummy paratroopers, to mislead the German forces and ensure the success of the largest seaborne invasion in history.

• The podcast episode highlights the extraordinary acts of bravery by individuals like CSM Hollis, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the D-Day operations.

• The episode concludes with practical advice for personal success, including setting daily goals, staying away from negative influences, and being charitable, drawing parallels between wartime strategies and everyday life challenges.

BEST MOMENTS

"The 6th of June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a day of tremendous bravery, selflessness, and heroism from the Allied forces."

"Churchill repeats the word 'fight' over and over again to ensure the British will never surrender."

"The D-Day invasion was actually planned for the 5th of June, but the weather was too bad, delaying it to the 6th."

"The first part of the invasion was conducted by air, with British and American airborne divisions landing behind enemy lines."

"At the end of each day, write down five things you didn't have time to do and make them the first things you do the next day."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Si Bradley, a former military officer, discussing his journey from childhood in Manchester to his various roles in the military and transition to civilian life. Si shares insights into his experiences, including his interest in the military sparked during school, his diverse roles in the Royal Engineers, and his command of a regiment.  Si reflects on the significance of his final role in Whitehall and the process of adjusting to a new chapter after a 26-year military career.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Early Influences and Career Choices: Si's interest in the military was sparked by school visits from military liaison officers, which led him to explore various branches before ultimately joining the Army. Highlighting the importance of early exposure and mentorship in shaping career paths.

• Dealing with Failure: Si shares his experience of not being accepted into the Army Air Corps despite completing the demanding pilot's course. He emphasises the importance of reconciling with failure, learning from it, and moving on, rather than dwelling on it or blaming others.

• Transferable Skills from Military to Civilian Life: This episode discusses how skills acquired in the military, such as punctuality, teamwork, quick decision-making, and adaptability, are highly valuable and transferable to civilian careers. This is crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

• Importance of Final Military Roles: Si believes that the last job held in the military can significantly impact future civilian job opportunities. The final role often opens doors and sets the stage for the next career phase, making it important to choose this role wisely.

• Transition Challenges and Strategies: Is also talks about the psychological and practical challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, including finding a new sense of purpose and stability. He advised taking a substantial break after leaving the military to adjust and reconnect with life outside the service.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I think experience trumps qualifications every time. Qualifications are important, but experience is what employers really value. We bring a unique set of skills and qualities that are highly sought after in the civilian sector."

"Leaving the military was the right decision for me, but the transition was challenging. Finding a sense of purpose and relevance in civilian life after serving in the military can be difficult. It takes time to adjust and find your new focus."

"Having extra time after leaving the military led to overthinking. Questions about purpose and relevance in civilian life started to arise. It's a common challenge for veterans transitioning to civilian life, trying to find that sense of achievement and purpose."

"The resourcefulness gained in the military is fantastic. Military personnel have a different way of dealing with situations, and their skills are highly transferable to civilian life. The ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome is a valuable trait."

"Recognising the importance of the final job in defense was crucial for my transition to civilian life. The last job on your CV can open doors and generate interest from prospective employers. It's essential to leverage your military experience in your second career."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

Joe is joined by Michael Lawrence who shares his extraordinary life story. Michael discusses his upbringing in a predominantly white environment, his struggles with identity, and the racism he faced in the military. He recounts harrowing experiences and talks about how he finds strength and solidarity within the black community in the army. The episode highlights Michael's journey of self-discovery, resilience, and ultimately finding acceptance and belonging within a supportive community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Overcoming Adversity: Michael faced racism and discrimination throughout his life, but he found strength in standing up for himself and others, ultimately overcoming his fears and gaining confidence.

• Building Solidarity: Despite initial scepticism, Michael found acceptance and support from the black community in the army, leading to strong friendships and a sense of belonging.

• Courage in Confrontation: Michael's confrontation with a racist individual in the army marked a turning point where he stood up for himself and refused to be intimidated, leading to a shift in his mindset and behaviour.

• Seeking Promotion: After realising his enjoyment of army life and the need for authority to effect change, Michael decided to pursue promotion, showing a shift in his goals and aspirations.

• Cultural Identity: Michael's journey from wanting to be white to embracing his mixed-race identity and desiring to be black highlights a significant shift in his self-perception and acceptance of his heritage.

BEST MOMENTS

"I really wanted to be black. It was a complete change. It was a complete 180."

"I was absolutely scared of this guy. I didn't want anything to do with him. But something just twigged right there."

"I was never scared of anyone again from that day. And I was able to then change my life." 

"It was a really good time back then. We really had fun. We weren't about fighting or this, that and the other."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

This episode features an insightful conversation with Bill  Kirst, a former military officer and civilian professional. Bill shares his remarkable journey from being born in Iran to growing up in Europe and eventually joining the military. He discusses his experiences living behind the Iron Curtain, his unique upbringing, and the impact of significant events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the 9/11 attacks on his life. Bill also reflects on his decision to leave the military due to the challenges of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and his subsequent successful civilian career at IBM. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Diverse Background: Bill Curse's upbringing in various countries and exposure to different cultures shaped his unique perspective and skills, allowing him to excel in his career.

• Integrity and Values: Bill's commitment to integrity and the Army values guided his decisions, even when faced with challenges related to his sexual orientation in the military.

• Compartmentalisation Skills: Bill's ability to compartmentalise his personal and professional life, honed from a young age, proved beneficial in navigating complex situations in both civilian and military roles.

• Advocacy for Inclusivity: Bill's focus on creating a sense of belonging for minority veterans, including those from the LGBT community, highlights his dedication to promoting diversity and acceptance.

• Quiet Activism: Bill's approach to activism through personal connections and storytelling emphasises the power of human-to-human interactions in fostering understanding and change.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I had to live this double life. I was constantly looking over my shoulder, to make sure that if somebody saw me, I was constantly in fear." 

"I think change happens one conversation at a time. I'm not going to be the one to wave a banner or to disrupt a meeting. Instead, what I want is people to get to know me for who I am." 

"I chose to spend my time making those people feel less alone in the world, so that they can live a full life. I've always been the type to say we change by healing." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.

This episode features John Harbour, a former Navy officer, sharing his journey from a small mining village to joining the Navy. John recounts his experiences before the military and discusses his time in the Navy, from basic training to becoming an officer, highlighting moments of failure and success along the way. John also reflects on his brief stint as a policeman and his decision to rejoin the Navy after facing personal challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Determination and Inquisitiveness: John Harbour's story highlights the importance of being determined and inquisitive in pursuing goals, even in the face of failure.

• Learning from Failure: John emphasises the value of failure as a learning experience, where one can analyse the reasons for failure and use it as a stepping stone to success.

• Resilience and Adaptability: John's ability to bounce back from challenges, such as leaving the Navy to join the police and then returning to the Navy, showcases resilience and adaptability.

• Seeking Mentorship: John's willingness to seek guidance and mentorship, whether from his divisional officer or colleagues, demonstrates the importance of seeking support in achieving goals.

• Career Progression: John's career progression from a young sailor to an officer, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities, serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities for growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was actually brought up in a small village called Gorbridge, which is about 10 miles south of Edinburgh, a small mining village." 

"I had in my mind, an idea of becoming a policeman. I had an uncle who was a policeman, my grandfather had been a policeman." 

"I remember my father saying to me something about volunteering. Now, I thought he said volunteer for everything." 

"I tend to put it down to experience. First of all, I acknowledge that I'm not perfect. I acknowledge that I cannot achieve everything that I want." 

"Well, I had a slight difficulty with my dear wife, who was having difficulty. And I thought the only way to resolve this was for me to leave the service." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/

https://www.facebook.com/The1Transformer

https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer/

HOST BIO

Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.